OL’ 55
The original Ol’ 55 band has reformed with Frankie J Holden, Wilbur Wilde, Richard “Rockpile” Jones, Jim Manzie and Patrick “Meatballs” Drummond. The legendary rockers are joined by former Skyhooks drummer Freddie Strauks who takes the place of the late great Geoff Plummer in celebration of their 40th anniversary.
Specialising in retro, 1950s-era Rock ‘n’ Roll, Ol’ 55 formed as Fanis in 1972 in Sutherland, Sydney. Drummer Geoff Plummer was working with Glenn A. Baker at the NSW Department of Media and invited Baker to hear his part-time band, including Patrick”Meatballs” DRUMMOND, Rockpile Jones and Jimmy Manzie. In 1975, Baker took on their management, renamed them as Ol’ 55 for the Tom Waits song (as covered by The Eagles), and recruited front man Frankie J. Holden and, later in the year, saxophonist Wilbur Wilde.
OL’ 55 will perform their greatest hits including music from their NEW Anthology “IT’S TIME TO ROCK N ROLL” at the Gympie Pavilion on Sunday 27 November.
Ol’ 55’s style borders on parody, combining novelty retro kitsch and clever theatrics with a keen sense of pop dynamics and an acute understanding of rock ‘n’ roll. Their top 20 hits include “On the Prowl”, “Looking for an Echo” , “(I Want A) Rockin’ Christmas”, “Stay (While the Night is Still Young)” , and “Two Faces Have I”. Their debut album, Take It Greasy peaked at No. 2 in the Australian Music Charts in 1976.
The boys are jumping out of their Skin to perform together again, so gather your friends for a great night of retro rock n’ roll!
Featuring
Frankie J Holden, Wilbur Wilde, Richard “Rockpile” Jones, Jim Manzie, Patrick “Meatballs” Drummond and Freddie Strauks.
Supported by Hoo8Hoo
PRESENTED BY
Gympie Regional Council
Phone: 1300 307 800
Email: events@gympie.qld.gov.au
Website: rushfestival.com.au
